September’s Local Edit: Triola’s Kitchen, Houston Events & Red Wine Short Ribs
Adapted from Bryan’s September 2026 newsletter. Event listings are preserved as a dated archive of that edition.
Finding the fall routine
School drop-offs, activities and work filled the calendar as we found our rhythm after summer. This edition brought a few local outings, a home checkup, a special dinner recipe and one of our favorite recent date nights.
Free activities: September 2026 archive
The newsletter featured Music on the Square’s George Strait tribute in Sugar Land on September 5; Central Green concerts at LaCenterra on September 11, 12, 18 and 19; Japan Festival Houston at Hermann Park September 12–13; Screen on the Green’s Selena showing on September 19; a City of Katy family kickball tournament September 19; and México en el Corazón with Flea by Night at Discovery Green September 26.
For a low-cost afternoon, the edition also suggested water play and parks at Discovery Green, Hermann Park, Levy Park and RiverPark in Sugar Land. Seasonal water features may have different operating schedules.
Ticketed activities from the September edition
Labor Day Goatstravaganza at ROSE Therapeutic Farm in Katy, September 5–7; Astros versus Arizona at Daikin Park, September 4–7; Hispanic Heritage Weekend at Houston Zoo, September 19–20; the Space Cowboys 5K and Kids Dash at Constellation Field on September 19; and The Music Man, September 15–27. These listings reflect what was shared in the original newsletter.
September home checkup
Replace dirty AC filters and check the drain line. Look at roof, gutter and drainage conditions before heavy rain. Inspect weatherstripping and caulking. Check sprinkler heads and overspray, and keep hurricane supplies and important documents accessible.
From Bryan’s Table: red wine-braised short ribs
This may be the highest-rated dish I have made. It has become a Christmas tradition in our family, but I bring it back throughout the year for entertaining or a dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
3–4 pounds beef short ribs or chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large pieces; salt and pepper; ½ cup flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2–3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 chopped onion; 2 chopped carrots; 2 chopped celery stalks; 3–4 chopped garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 bottle Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir; 1–2 cups beef stock; 1 bay leaf; and 2–3 rosemary sprigs. Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, plus 1 tablespoon butter.
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the meat, lightly coat with flour seasoned with garlic powder, salt and pepper, and sear in batches in a Dutch oven. Set aside.
Soften the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in the same pot, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the tomato paste. Add the wine, deglaze and simmer for several minutes, then add the stock. Return the meat with the bay leaf and rosemary, cover and braise for at least three hours, until tender.
Remove the meat and herbs. For a smoother sauce, strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer. Thicken with the optional cornstarch slurry, finish with butter and season to taste. Spoon over the meat and serve with mashed potatoes.
Local spotlight: Triola’s Kitchen in the Heights
4606 North Main Street, Houston, TX 77009, as featured in September.
Chelsea and I went on a double date after a friend recommended Triola’s. The atmosphere felt warm and home-like, and the service was exceptionally welcoming. We brought a bottle of wine for our visit.
We shared garlic bread, a mussels special in white wine sauce and heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella. At the table we tried spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo and pasta salsiccia with spicy Italian sausage. The pasta salsiccia stood out, and I finished with tiramisu, one of my favorite desserts.
My order: garlic bread, mussels if offered, heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella, pasta salsiccia and tiramisu. This is a personal account of that visit; menus and wine policies should be checked directly.
By Bryan Lillis, LUXE Realty Team | RE/MAX Grand. A personal perspective on life around Katy and greater Houston.
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